The Role of Women's Wings of Political Parties in Strengthening Female Political Leadership in Karnataka

Abstract

This Article focuses on Women’s wings in political parties to analyse the process of empowering and sustaining female political leadership in Karnataka. Much as there are constitution requirements and policies on the increased representation of women in political systems, women are limited in their representation in leadership roles within political organizations. This paper assesses the vital role of women’s wings of political parties: The Mahila Congress, BJP Mahila Morcha, and JD(S) Women’s Wing in the expenditure of women’s political leadership in Karnataka. The research makes use of both quantitative electoral data analysis to complement it with interview data from sixteen women politicians, three party officials and four wing members. The research shows that women wings fill the leadership development gaps by offering structured training, mentorship, and mobilization plans. However, these wings experience many challenges such as; inadequate funding inadequate authority to make decisions for themselves continuing societal barriers. The study also shows that whereas women’s wings have been helpful in opening new opportunities to an emerging crop of leadership within women, the outcomes are always resultative of institutional traps and cultural barriers. The research itself presents several examples when women’s wings have been instrumental in incubating political leadership, especially at the grassroots. But they are not very prominent at higher levels of political hierarchy. This study also fills a gap in existing literature on the institutional playbook for women’s political enfranchisement and provides specific suggestions for improving women’s wings by increasing resources, independence, and leadership training. In light of these findings, this research benefits political parties, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders charged with the task of promoting women’s political representation and effective political leadership in Karnataka and other regions.